AJC Welcomes Paris Municipality Action on BDS

PARIS, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC applauds the Council of Paris for adopting today two resolutions opposing the BDS (boycott, sanctions and divestment) movement that has been targeting Israel. The council is the governing body for the French capital.

The Paris Council action firmly opposes "all attempts to isolate Israel among the nations" and condemns efforts, including public demonstrations in Paris, advocating for the boycott of Israel.

"Official Paris has spoken clearly that any effort to boycott Israel is illegal," said AJC Europe Director Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, who has followed the issue closely. "The path to sustainable peace lies in direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, not in punitive measures against one party, the sovereign and democratic state of Israel."

The Council of Paris action reinforces existing French law that considers BDS against Israel and Israelis illegal. The council resolutions, supported by political parties on both the left and right, condemn any boycott against Israel during any demonstration or public event and oppose any attempt to blacklist Israel.

"We now count on the authorities to ensure the implementation of the law," said Rodan-Benzaquen. "Regrettably, the need for this law is all too apparent, judging from several recent incidents involving efforts to boycott or blacklist Israelis, including artistic groups."